Care tips of your cosmetic restorations:
For about 2 weeks you may go through an adjustment period as you get used to your "new" teeth that have been changed in size and shape. It will take your brain some time to recognise the new position of your teeth or their new thickness as normal. If you detect any high spots or problems with your bite call us.
Veneers have a great crushing strength but not "tensile strength". Avoid anything that will twist the veneer. Please avoid the following things that would break even natural teeth such as chew on pistachio nuts, hard sweets, chicken bones or open things with your teeth.
As with natural teeth, veneers require good oral hygiene. Brush with a soft toothbrush or try an electric toothbrush for better cleaning. (available from our reception). Do not use a sonic type toothbrush as the vibrations may loosen the restorations.
Use non-abrasive toothpaste or toothpaste with baking soda. Use Tooth Mousse to help with sensitive or cavity prone teeth. Avoid "extra whitening" toothpaste because they are often very abrasive and can scratch your restoration.
Floss between all teeth at least once a day to remove plaque. Flossing before bed time is the best time.
Clean around your gum line carefully.
Some sensitivity will occur. This relates to the amount of enamel left on your tooth after preparation, the proximity of the nerve as well as several other factors and should stop in 4-6 weeks.
Your gums may be sore, try rinsing them with salt water (1tsp.salt in 1 cup of warm water, rinse-swish-spit 3 times) for several days to reduce swelling and discomfort.
Eat a normal diet, yet be careful when eating hard foods, they can damage veneers.
Your speech will seem affected for the first few days. You will adapt and speak normally soon.
Do not rinse routinely with mouthwashes, as they are high in alcohol. Alcohol softens bonding and weakens the bond of porcelain. If mouthwash is desired, a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water could be used or select a non-alcohol containing mouthwash like Biotene mouthwash.
You may notice increase salivary flow, this should be back to normal within a few weeks.
If you grind your teeth or clench your jaws you need a nightguard to minimise these stressors that you place on your teeth and to lengthen the life of your veneers.
Your speech may be affected slightly the first few days, this is normal. Your will quickly adapt to the new "feel" in your mouth and be speaking normally.
See your dentist for professional maintenance, cleaning and polishing of your restorations every six months or when advised.
